By Staff
May 9, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazebo is going to go!
Not certain as to when but the people who do the landscaping at Spencer Smith Park said Sunday afternoon during a Jane’s Walk that the existing Gazebo is not accessible and it doesn’t allow for much variation in terms of the way it is used.
The giant willow tree is at risk as well. The city’s arborist is keeping a close eye on that tree – things didn’t sound all that good.
The Gazebo is situated in what the land use planner called a “bowl” and there are concerns about the amount of water that settles in that part of the park.
There are some longer term plans that would have the existing Waterfront hotel torn down and three high rise structures put in place – this is longer term and few details are available.
That billowing willow tree just might be in the way of some sight lines.
It should be noted that the willow trees in Spencer Smith Park were planted there by Spencer Smith when he was President of the Burlington Horticultural Society. It was Spencer Smith’s concept in 1933 to develop a beautiful park on the shores of Lake Ontario at the foot of Brant Street. This park was originally named Lakeside Park. That beautiful willow tree and the others in the park were from the home of Dorothy Angus, the local librarian, and a former Citizen of the Year, who lived on Ontario Street. Spencer carefully transplanted some of these trees to his Lakeside Park, and what you see now, is what Spencer did back many years ago. Willow trees thrive near water, and they are perfectly located in the park. These willow trees have significant historical relevance to Burlington and Spencer Smith Park. The willow trees in the park should be given a plaque to recognize their importance to the community. We need to protect this part of our local history.
For those of you who wish to know more about Spencer Smith, you can search the internet and find my biography on this incredible local citizen, which was published in the Burlington Gazette on January 15, 2015.
“That billowing willow tree just might be in the way of some sight lines”
There ya go.